Campus Green Builder

Solar Farm

Functions: Solar arrays providing electricity

Completion: April 2008

Approximate Built-up Area: 130,000 sq.ft.

East Los Angeles College is the first to power up a 1.2 megawatt photovoltaic (PV) solar farm, located in the Northwest Parking Lot as part of the district’s efforts to minimize utility cost at all its campuses. The system is comprised of 5,952 solar panels installed atop of seven large-scale carports providing shade over 530 parking spaces. This project, which began in October of 2007 and was completed in April 2008, provides space for 530 vehicles and occupies three (3) acres of land-area. It is estimated that the system would have an expected life of at least 40 years and would supply about 16% of the campus electricity needs. This solar farm produces energy without the use of fossil fuels and does not produce noise, pollution or doesn’t have any moving parts, making this one of the cleanest and safest ways to generate electricity in an urban environment.

The East Los Angeles College solar farm works in conjunction with the new Central Utility Plant, which, until the institution ultimately achieves energy independence, saves energy by drawing power from the grid at night when demand is lower and the prices are cheaper.¹ "We are excited about ELAC's solar project as it gives us an opportunity to focus on the District's commitment to building green, and to preparing our students for the coming green economy," said Dr. Marshall Drummond, chancellor, Los Angeles Community College District. “This project is a major step forward in our plan to self-generate power at each of our campuses."²

The project is a "Design-Built" contract by Chevron Energy Solutions under a 20-year Power Solar Service Agreement with the LACCD. This project is funded by the LACCD's Propositions A/AA Bond Program, which Los Angeles voters approved in 2001 and 2003.³ East Los Angeles College hopes to tie the solar farm into other capital improvement projects on campus to maximize possible credits that can be obtained under the LEED^® rating system for the new construction as well as building retrofit projects.

¹ Los Angeles Community College District. "East Los Angeles College Solar Farm project profile." Retrieved August 24, 2009.
² Los Angeles Community College District. (April 22, 2008) "Press Release". Retrieved September 2, 2009.
³ Los Angeles Community College District. (August 29, 2007) "East Los Angeles College First To Generate Its Own Electricity Through New $9 Million Solar Energy Project". Retrieved August 24, 2009.